Pharmacology of Movement Flashcards
What are the genes associated with Parkinson’s?
- SNCA - involves alpha-synuclein protein, Aggregates into clumps (Lewy bodies)
- LRRK2 - most common genetic contributor to Parkinson’s, kinase, specialised protein type which modifies other proteins
What are the main features of PD?
- resting tremor
- bradykinesia
- rigidity
- frozen facial expression
- flexed posture
- altered gai/postural changes
- difficulty initiating and stopping movement
What are some non-motor features of PD?
Olfactory depression Depression Psychotic symptoms Cognitive dysfunction Dementia Sleep disturbance Autonomic dysfunction
How are dopaminergic neurons degenerated?
- MPTP (methyl-phenyl-tetrahydropyridine) is transformed into metabolite MPP+ which is neurotoxic
- MPP+ causes dysfunction of complex I of mitochondrial respiratory chain = oxidative stress
- dopamine easily oxidised -> free radicals produced
- monoamine oxidase involved
How is dopamine synthesised?
L-Tyrosine -> L-Dopa (via tyrosine hydroxylase)
L-Dopa -> Dopamine (via L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase)
How is dopamine metabolised?
Dopamine -> DOPAC (MAO and aldehyde dehydrogenase)
DOPAC -> Homovanillic acid (via COMT)
What are the treatments for Parkinson’s in regards to dopamine?
L- dopa direct administration
L-dopa decarboxylase inhibitor
MOA and COMT inhibitors
What are the 3 pathways in which projection neurons can release dopamine?
Mesocortical
Nigostriatal
Mesolimbic
What are the dopamine receptors?
GPCRs
- D1 like (D1 and D5)
- D2 like (D2, D3, D4)
How can L-Dopa treat PD?
Directly compensates for decreased dopamine levels
What are some precursors of L-Dopa?
Carbidopa Benserazide (levodopa)
What are some adverse effects of L-Dopa?
Nausea/vomiting Postural hypotension Psychosis Impulse control disorders Motor complications - on and off effect, dyskinesia
What are some dopamine agonists?
Rotigotine: transdermal patch
Apomorphine: infusion
What are MAOb inhibitors?
Stop dopamine breaking down due to oxidatio
What are some examples of MAOb inhibitors?
Rasagiline
Selegiline